What is the cost of maintenance on a Toyota Mirai?
The upkeep for a Toyota Mirai tends to be lower for routine service than a typical gasoline sedan, with most owners spending roughly $500–$900 per year on regular maintenance (not including tires or hydrogen fuel). Hydrogen fueling and the fuel-cell system introduce separate costs that vary by region and driving habits.
This article breaks down what maintenance involves for the Mirai, how costs are likely to stack up over time, and strategies to keep ownership affordable. It also explains how warranty coverage and hydrogen fueling influence long‑term expenses.
Routine maintenance and service costs
Below are the common, ongoing maintenance items you’ll encounter with a Mirai. These are the regular services that happen at typical intervals and are not the hydrogen fuel itself.
- Tire rotations and alignments to promote even wear and performance.
- Brake system servicing; regenerative braking reduces wear, but pads/rotors may still need replacement over time.
- 12V battery replacement, which supports electronics and startup systems.
- Fluid services (coolant for the fuel-cell stack, brake fluid, powertrain fluids) and general inspections.
- Cabin air filter replacement and routine wiper blade changes.
- Software updates and system checks carried out at dealership service visits.
Overall, routine maintenance costs are predictable and align with hybrid- or EV-type ownership, provided the vehicle is within its warranty and serviced at an authorized center.
Hydrogen fuel costs and ownership expenses
Hydrogen fueling introduces a separate ongoing cost that varies by region, fueling network availability, and driving style. In the United States, hydrogen prices commonly range from about $15–$25 per kilogram, and Mirai efficiency translates to several kilograms of hydrogen per 100 miles depending on conditions and driving habits. Your annual fuel cost will depend on how many miles you drive and local hydrogen prices.
To illustrate, here are typical scenarios for annual hydrogen fuel expenditure based on common driving levels and a representative price range. These examples exclude tires, taxes, and vehicle financing considerations.
- 5,000 miles per year: roughly 35 kg of hydrogen, about $525–$875 annually.
- 10,000 miles per year: roughly 60 kg, about $900–$1,500 annually.
- 15,000 miles per year: roughly 90 kg, about $1,350–$2,250 annually.
Hydrogen costs can vary widely by region, station availability, and pricing policies. Some areas offer incentives or lower prices at certain stations, which can materially affect annual fuel costs.
Warranty coverage, maintenance plans, and repair considerations
Maintenance costs can be affected by warranty terms and any maintenance plans you choose. Toyota generally provides standard new-car coverage, plus fuel-cell system warranties that help reduce potential expensive repairs beyond routine service. Typical terms seen in many markets include:
- Fuel-cell system and related components: a long-term warranty (often around 8 years or 100,000 miles in many regions), which can substantially cap major repair costs for the fuel-cell stack.
- Basic/new-car warranty: usually several years or miles (varies by market and model year).
- 12V battery warranty and powertrain coverage: terms vary by region but can reduce out-of-pocket costs for early-life failures.
Without warranty coverage, major repairs—such as a fuel-cell stack replacement or substantial powertrain work—could be costly, potentially tens of thousands of dollars depending on the component and extent of the issue. Always verify current terms with your local Toyota dealer for your model year and region, and consider available maintenance plans if you want predictable budgeting.
Summary
The Toyota Mirai offers maintenance costs that are generally in line with hybrid- or EV-style ownership for routine service, with a predictable annual bill excluding tires and hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen fueling represents a separate, region-dependent expense that can significantly affect year-to-year costs. Warranty coverage on the fuel-cell system helps protect against large one-off repairs, but it’s important to confirm the exact terms for your market and to factor in regional hydrogen prices when evaluating total ownership costs.
